I get it. You are probably thinking: ‘Wishables? What on earth is a Wishable? A another stuffed thing to clutter my house? Is this really what you want to talk about?’
I won’t lie. I was like that at first, but then I found they are extremely cute and I could no longer resist. However, I also didn’t want just another stuffed critter(s) cluttering my house and space {trust me, we have plenty…haha…but I still buy more…I have problem…but that’s for another day}, so I put on my thinking cap on how these adorable little stuffies could make an appearance in our home and provide educational purpose.
1. The Wishables Line
So, what is a Wishable? It is a micro plush that comes in a mystery blind bag, and each is part of a 4-piece, limited release series. They can be bought from shopDisney or at the Disney parks and resorts. Here is an example of a release, specifically the Aladdin collection:
Beyond the blind bags, each release also provides an “out of bag” character that you can also buy. That way, there is at least one character that you know you can get. For the Aladdin collection, the additional Wishable was the Genie.
So what’s the appeal? First off, mystery! The blind bags are just really fun! I think it adds a level of excitement to the buying experience. Plus, if you do want to get a specific character, buying the bags in person {i.e. the parks, Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, or the resorts} allows for squeezing/feeling the bags {and as you can see on the Aladdin bag, is encouraged}.
Second, the limited release. The first Wednesday of every month is Wishable Wednesday and is when Disney releases a brand new series! It keeps it so fun and fresh, and to be honest, I’ve started to get so excited for that first Wednesday of the month. For 2021, the series so far have been Alice in Wonderland {Jan 2021}, Disney Transportation {also Jan 2021 – it got two! EEEEPPP!}, and Small World {Feb 2021}.
2. The Craft
‘Okay, Jasmine. I see they are cute, but how can they be educational?’
With a little magic, of course. Mom magic, that is.
I really wanted these in my house, but I needed the justification. So my solution was matching cards!
I pulled out our Windows Surface and created 4″ X 4″, printable cards on Google Slides. To start, I made a 4″ X 4″ square on the slide with an outlined, text box below it and then added the picture of the Wishable that I wanted to create. I found that the shopDisney Wishables pictures are literally PERFECT for this craft because they are nicely photographed and have a white background. Once I had the one created, I just copied and pasted to the number that I needed. From there, it was just print, cut and then laminate. So easy! I literally did all of ours in a night while chatting with my girlfriends on a zoom call.
The matching game has been something both L {age 3} and W {age 1} can play, and it helps with all those key skills they need to work on. The words are also nice, especially with L, who is starting to work on sight word and letter recognition.
If sight words aren’t what you are looking for, there are some really easy alternatives. The one that a friend shared with me {hi, Kenny!} is that instead of sight words and labeling the item, letters could be used instead to work on alphabet recognition. Colors could be another option too. So many possibilites!
To help make it a little easier for you, I’ve added a template below, just follow the link to get started!
3. The Laminator
So let’s talk about laminators….
I got one based on an account I follow on Instagram {@brbgoingtodisney – highly recommend following her if you have littles and love Disney} and let it sit for MONTHS because I didn’t want to install/read the instructions lol. Then, one morning Lucas decided he was going to print and laminate a sheet with a bunch of Cars characters on it for W and did all of the set up {1. thanks, honey! 2. it was so easy. It’s laughable how easy it was. Plug in. Turn on. lololol}. Then, the crafts began…and OH MY GOODNESS. It has been a GAME CHANGER. If you love crafts and especially if you have littles, do yourself a favor and get a laminator. I’ve linked the one I bought below {which I LOVE}, but there are a ton out there!
Another fun, laminator craft that I want to showcase quickly is the family flip book I made. I also used the 4″ X 4″ template from the Wishables to make this but instead of Wishables pictures, I glued 4″ X 4″ pictures of our family members {ordered from Shutterfly app – unlimited free prints of 4 X 4 and 4 X 6 pictures} and put the family title {aunt, cousin, grandparent, etc.} in the title section. We gave to W as part of his Valentine’s gift, as well as to my niece for her first birthday, and it’s been a great, fun learning toy!
4. The Tips
Lastly, a few random tips to make your Wishables journey more enjoyable:
- Resorts are the best spots to go for Wishables, in my opinion {Contemporary has been our go to}. They get the new ones the same day as the rest of property; it’s often less crowded, and you can usually find older releases there too {bonus!}.
- Squeezing a mystery blind bag + Covid = probably not the best combination. I like to take disposable, latex gloves to minimize what I touch as well as not contaminate bags further with my germs. I do love knowing that the plush inside has not been touched by other guests, though. Hooray!
- Wishables are great gifts for holiday baskets {especially with the matching cards 😉 }. We gave the kids Wishables for Valentine’s Day, and it was a big hit! Easter is right around the corner, and these could be great basket stuffers if you are looking for ideas.
That’s all for today! I cannot wait for Wishables Wednesday next week! Will you be joining in on the fun?!?
Until next week…
Stay Magical!
Jasmine
*Disclaimer: All opinions shared are in no way affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. They are completely my own and shared from a Disney guest perspective.
